(104.3 The Score) Bears quarterback Caleb Williams returned Sunday to lead his team a bounce-back victory.
Williams went 30-of-36 for 305 yards and a touchdown as the Bears earned a 31-23 win over the Falcons in Atlanta.
For Williams, it was his first game action since suffering a hamstring injury on Sept. 20. The Bears went 2-1 in his three-game absence while turning to backups Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent as Williams worked his way back.
With Williams back in the fold, the Bears showcased their best form offensively. They racked up 368 total yards, and tight end Colston Loveland hauled in his first touchdown of the season. Receiver Luther Burden III led the way with eight receptions for 95 yards.
Williams, 24, had never endured an injury in his NFL career that cost him a game prior to this one. He spoke passionately Thursday about how the time on the sidelines was difficult and how it enhanced his appreciation for playing.
"I care about the team, the organization, winning, being out there, my teammates, all of that. I care, and that's the biggest thing,” Williams said Thursday. “This is what I love to do. This puts a smile on my face. It's everything to me. So, not being able to be out there was frustrating.”
The Bears led 31-7 after kicker Cairo Santos' field goal to start the fourth quarter, but the Falcons rallied back with a pair of touchdowns and two-point conversions, marking 16 unanswered points. Atlanta got possession of the ball with 3:34 remaining, but quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was strip-sacked by Bears nickelback Kyler Gordon, who had three sacks in his return from a calf injury, and Chicago recovered the ball.
The Bears improved to 4-2 on the season. They'll host the Patriots (4-2) on Thursday at Soldier Field as they have a short week ahead of them.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
